Bachelor of Arts in French

French and Italian Programs

The department offers the major in French, an option in Italian, and an option in French and Italian studies. Prospective majors should consult the department during or before the second semester of the sophomore year.

Students pursuing a major in French or an option in Italian are encouraged to take courses in European studies, European history, art history, and philosophy, as well as English and foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics. Students often combine a major in French or the option in Italian with majors in business, humanities, journalism, the sciences, premedicine, or prelaw.

Language majors are useful in a variety of careers. The study of languages, literatures, and cultures enhances personal growth and broadens professional horizons, allowing fuller participation in an increasingly global community.

First- and Second-Year Preparation

The normal course progression for first- and second-year students considering a major in French is FREN 110, FREN 120, FREN 230, and FREN 240. FREN 230 and FREN 240 may be replaced by FREN 234. Eligible students are encouraged to enroll in honors sections of third-semester French (FREN 231) and fourth-semester French (FREN 241). FREN 300 is the prerequisite for all other 300-level courses, although FREN 300 and FREN 375 may be taken concurrently. FREN 326 is the prerequisite for all 400-level courses. The normal course progression for first- and second-year students considering the option in Italian is ITAL 110, ITAL 120, ITAL 230, and ITAL 240. Eligible students are encouraged to enroll in intensive sections of first-semester Italian (ITAL 155) and second-semester Italian (ITAL 156).

3 of the 7 literature courses numbered FREN 432-FREN 470 (9)FREN 432 Francophone African Literature (3)FREN 450 French Literature of the Middle Ages (3)FREN 455 French Literature of the Renaissance (3)FREN 460 French Literature of the Seventeenth Century (3)FREN 462 French Literature of the Eighteenth Century (3)FREN 465 French Literature of the Nineteenth Century (3)FREN 470 French Literature of the Twentieth Century (3)

One 3-credit-hour course chosen from the following: (3)FREN 410
Survey of French Culture IFREN 420 Survey of French Culture IIFREN
430 La France d’Aujourd’huiFREN 431 French-speaking World (Outside
France)FREN 440 Studies in French Culture: _____FREN 592 French
Culture Through Film I, Beginnings to 1950FREN 593 French Culture
Through Film II, 1950–Present

The appropriate language adviser may allow students to replace a
course they do not need with a course at the appropriate level chosen
from within the major or concentration. Students must complete 15 hours
in each language.